Coach built Campers UK: Builders & Chassis Guide | Custom Solutions UK

What Do We Know About Who Builds Coach built Campers in the UK — and What Chassis Are They On?

 

When it comes to British-built motorhomes, coachbuilt vehicles remain a cornerstone of the industry. Unlike campervans that convert existing panel vans, coachbuilt models are crafted by building a custom habitation body onto a bare chassis cab. This approach offers more interior space, flexible layouts, and better long-term comfort — ideal for full touring lifestyles. In the UK, several well-established manufacturers lead the way in producing these vehicles, typically using chassis from Fiat, Peugeot, and Ford. Understanding which brands build on which base vehicles can help you compare features, servicing options, and driving performance before investing in your next motorhome.

 

In the UK, several established manufacturers build coachbuilt motorhomes — meaning they construct a custom habitation body on top of a commercial chassis cab, rather than converting a panel van (like most campervans). Here's a breakdown of who builds what, and the chassis platforms they most commonly use:

🔧 What Is a Coachbuilt Motorhome?

A coachbuilt motorhome is a campervan built by attaching a purpose-made living area to a base vehicle’s chassis cab. Unlike van conversions—which adapt an existing metal shell—a coachbuilt body is custom-constructed by the manufacturer, usually using lightweight composite panels or GRP (glass-reinforced plastic). This allows for more interior space, larger washrooms, fixed beds, and clever storage solutions that wouldn’t fit inside a standard van shape. UK buyers will commonly see two styles: low-profile (no overcab bed) and overcab (with a sleeping pod above the cab). Coachbuilt models are ideal for families, long trips, or full-time use thanks to their insulation, layout flexibility, and space. They're often wider and taller than van conversions, but offer better year-round comfort and layout choices.

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🏭 Top UK Brands Building Coachbuilt Campers

Several well-known UK manufacturers specialise in coachbuilt motorhomes. Auto-Trail, based in Lincolnshire, is one of the most recognised names, with models like the Tracker, Imala, and Frontier. Swift Group, headquartered in East Yorkshire, offers the Escape and Kon-Tiki ranges—known for their build quality and modern interiors. Bailey of Bristolstands out for its Al-Ko chassis integration and lightweight body construction in models like the Adamo and Autograph. Elddis, part of the Erwin Hymer Group UK, offers popular coachbuilt lines like Autoquest and Encore. Newer entrants like Coachman are also building coachbuilts using Ford Transit chassis, showing a growing diversity in the market. Each brand has its own design approach, but all focus on comfort, value, and suitability for British road and campsite conditions.

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🚐 Which Chassis Are Most Common in the UK?

The most widely used chassis in UK coachbuilt motorhomes is the Fiat Ducato, prized for its “Camping-Car Special” low-frame version, which allows better internal height and lower floor levels. Closely related is the Peugeot Boxer, sharing the same platform but used more often in models by Bailey and Elddis due to longstanding supply partnerships. The Ford Transit has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its modern cab, smooth automatic gearboxes, and excellent dealership coverage across the UK. Some premium or imported models may also appear on Mercedes Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter chassis, though these are less common for UK-made coachbuilts. The choice of chassis affects everything from payload to fuel economy and driving experience—making it a key consideration when shopping for a new camper.

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🇬🇧 Why British Manufacturers Prefer Fiat, Peugeot & Ford

UK motorhome builders favour Fiat, Peugeot, and Ford for practical and commercial reasons. First, these brands offer reliable access to chassis cabs in right-hand drive, making production and servicing easier. Second, low-frame chassis options—especially from Fiat—allow for better floorplan layouts, garages, and step-free interiors. Peugeot engines offer a strong value proposition, especially in budget-friendly models. Ford, meanwhile, has gained traction due to its advanced driver-assist systems, refined driving feel, and wide UK servicing network. These chassis also meet strict emissions regulations, which is essential for customers visiting LEZ (Low Emission Zones) or travelling abroad. While Mercedes and VW offer excellent platforms, cost and supply limitations often make Fiat, Peugeot, and Ford the go-to choice for volume production in the UK.

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📊 Comparison: Chassis Types vs Motorhome Models

Here’s how common UK coachbuilt motorhomes align with their base chassis:

Fiat and Peugeot dominate thanks to their adaptable chassis and supply chains, but Ford is catching up fast. Most manufacturers now offer automatic gearbox options, and some provide a choice between engine power levels or weight classes (e.g. 3.5t vs 4.25t).

 

📝 What to Consider When Choosing a Coach built Vehicle

Choosing the right coachbuilt motorhome means balancing size, budget, driving comfort, and internal layout. First, consider your group size: solo travellers may prefer compact low-profiles, while families might need overcab beds or island beds. Second, think about the chassis and drivetrain—manual vs automatic, and whether you need front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. Look into vehicle weight limits, especially if you’re limited to a standard UK licence (3.5t). Assess garage space, winterisation (insulated tanks, heating), and onboard storage. Finally, review brand reputation and aftersales support—choosing a well-supported UK brand can make future servicing or warranty work far easier. Test-driving both the cab and habitation area can reveal comfort details that specs alone may miss.

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✅ Major UK Coachbuilt Motorhome Manufacturers

 

🛠️ Typical Chassis Used in UK Coachbuilt Motorhomes

1. 
   Fiat Ducato

   • Dominant chassis across Europe and UK

   • Offers a wide “Camping-Car Special” (CCS) version with low frame

   • Used by Swift, Bailey, Auto-Trail, Elddis, and more

2. Peugeot Boxer

   • Shared platform with Fiat Ducato

   • More common with Bailey and Elddis (in part due to Peugeot supply agreements)

3. Ford Transit / Transit Trail

   • Gaining popularity (especially post-2020)

   • Used in Swift Edge, Auto-Trail F-Line, Bailey Adamo

   • Known for driving comfort and dealer network

4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

   • Rare in UK coachbuilts, more common in A-Class or premium imports

   • You might find it on luxury models from Hymer or Auto-Sleepers

5. Volkswagen Crafter

   • Very rare in UK for coachbuilt

   • Only Adria (imported) and a few customs (e.g. Retro Tourer) have used it

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📦 Types of Coachbuilt Bodies

 

🔧 Who Builds the Bodies?

• 
  These UK companies design and build their own coachbuilt bodies in-house.

• They receive chassis cabs from Fiat, Peugeot, or Ford, then build the GRP, aluminium, or bonded body structures using their own floorplans, windows, lockers, roof domes, etc.

• Some use Al-Ko low-frame chassis extensions for better floorspace and garage options (Bailey, Swift).

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❌ Not Used in UK Coachbuilts (much):

• Renault Master: Rare

• VW Crafter: Very rare

• Iveco Daily: Only seen in large European luxury liners (e.g. Concorde, Morelo)